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Flirting Signals

Online Flirting

Flirting also appears in an online form, too. And despite the lack of verbal and physical clues can be just as effective. Men report it's easier to flirt online than women, perhaps because historically men are more prone to misinterpret signs of friendliness as flirting or sexual interest and because online signals are by definition unambigious and therefore easier to understand.

There are many ways to send flirting signals online and let someone know you're interested. Most quality online dating or matchmaking sites allow members to send a smile, wink or a wave. These signals have become, in part, the internet replacement for body language.

You could send:

	Online Smile, Wink or Kiss.
	An eCard.
	Virtual Flowers.
	MP3.
	Goofy sound byte!
	Love Poem.

If you get any strange abbreviations like LOL, XOXO, "g"or emoticons such as :-), :-{}, or :-9 in your correspondence, check out our Dating Acronyms or Dating Emoticons pages for lists of the most common ones!

Emoticons (a few shown below) are also a popular way to flirt and express feelings:-

:-) ;-) :-P :-0 :-X :-{} :* :*) :-( :@) :-@!

Smiley Wink Sticking out tongue Shocked My lips are sealed/kiss Blowing a kiss Kiss Clowning Sad Pig! Swearing

:**: :-9 :-? ^ ^ ^ ^5 ;-D :-} :.( []

Returning kiss Licking lips Licking lips/tongue in cheek Giggles High five Winking and laughing Mischievous smile Crying Hug

Icebreakers

Still more sites provide "Icebreakers" (a set number of fun questions to ask a potential partner), or allow members to pose a question to potential mates.

Even if a dating site doesn't have icebreakers you can still ask fun icebreakers in your initial email or Instant Message:

	Where did you get that beautiful smile?
	What's your favorite treat to eat and why?
	What's your favorite thing to do with your date on the weekend and why?
	What is your favorite romantic movie? Why?
	What's the most romantic place you've been?
	That's a great photo of you. Where was it taken? How did you end up going there?
	Great shirt. Is that an Armani?
	What sports do you like? You look athletic.
	How come someone as sweet as you hasn't been snapped up already?
	What's your favorite romantic song and why?

Finally

Flirting online doesn’t mean using overt sexual come-ons, instead try to get someone's interest in more subtle ways. Use humor, be cheeky and try to say something subtle, but sincere. Be gently flattering. If you make someone near you feel good about themselves they'll want more!

Do remember to be forgiving. It's quite possible to make a faux pas or social blunder by mistake. Although just too many mistakes should be a red flag. Respond to emails promptly when possible, and if you know you're going to be away for a period of time, maybe for work, mention that in your profile.

When responding to an email, or initiating contact, don't reveal too much about yourself all at once. Keep your first emails short and sweet. Let information about yourself gradually emerge and retain a little mystery. That way you keep things intriguing and leave the door open for others to ask you questions. If you want to show you'd like a reply, sprinkle a few questions in your message, or preferably try to end your email with a question.


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The Pro's and Con's of Online Dating (Part 1)